Zesty Roasted Orange Chicken

$- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - 2 large oranges (juiced and zested) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 2 tablespoons honey (preferably raw) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Orange slices, for garnish and added color The main ingredients create a rich base for the dish. Chicken thighs offer juicy meat that pairs perfectly with sweet citrus. Fresh oranges bring a bright flavor, while garlic and ginger add warmth. The marinade components enhance the chicken's taste. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives a salty kick. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist, and salt and pepper balance the flavors. Crushed red pepper flakes are great if you like some spice. For garnishing, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. Orange slices not only look pretty but also echo the citrus in the dish. These ingredients come together to make your roasted orange chicken a vibrant and tasty meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps create crisp skin. Next, grab a baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and keeps the chicken from sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the juice and zest of the two large oranges. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger for extra flavor. Then mix in the honey and soy sauce. Pour in the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend well into a smooth marinade. Place the four chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Arrange the thighs skin-side up in the lined baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. The chicken is ready when it hits 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. For added crunch, broil for 3-5 minutes, but watch it closely to avoid burning. To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. This helps the flavors soak into the meat. Always use fresh ingredients. Fresh oranges, garlic, and ginger make a big difference in taste. To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This keeps it juicy and safe. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. When serving, place the chicken on a large platter. Arrange orange slices around it for color. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright finish. Pair your roasted orange chicken with steamed vegetables or jasmine rice. This makes a delicious and complete meal. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. This allows the marinade to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can significantly enhance the flavor of your marinade. Avoid using pre-minced or dried alternatives, as they can lack the vibrant taste that fresh ingredients provide. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This is crucial for food safety and achieving the right texture. Experiment with Citrus: While oranges are delicious, don't hesitate to experiment with other citrus fruits like lemons or limes for a different flavor profile. You can also mix citrus juices for a unique twist! {{image_4}} You can change the taste of roasted orange chicken easily. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary works well. They add a nice earthy flavor. You can also use spices like paprika or cumin for a twist. For citrus options, try lemon or lime juice. They will give your dish a bright zing. You can mix and match these flavors to find your favorite combination. If you want to switch up the protein, you can use other meats. Pork chops or turkey thighs work great with this recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh. Marinate them in the same orange mix. This will give them a tasty boost and keep the dish vibrant. You can cook this dish in different ways. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor. Just marinate the chicken and grill it until cooked through. Slow-cooking is another option. It makes the chicken very tender. Cook it on low for several hours. This way, the flavors will blend nicely. Each method brings a new twist to roasted orange chicken. Enjoy experimenting! To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh for up to four days. When reheating, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for best results. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the skin crispy. You can freeze roasted orange chicken for up to three months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. For best flavor, freeze it right after cooling. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps maintain the taste and texture. When stored properly, roasted orange chicken lasts about four days in the fridge and three months in the freezer. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or discoloration, before eating. Enjoy your leftovers safely and deliciously! To make the chicken skin crispy, you can use a couple of tricks. First, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the skin render fat and get crispy. After baking, switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes. Keep a close watch so that it does not burn. The skin will bubble and turn golden brown, making your dish look and taste amazing. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. The cooking time will change, though. Boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in ones. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes. Always check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you want, you can also use chicken breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to keep them juicy. Roasted orange chicken pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Jasmine rice complements the citrus flavors nicely. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or roasted potatoes. These sides will round out your meal and make it even more enjoyable. We explored how to make a delicious roasted orange chicken dish. Start with chicken thighs, fresh oranges, garlic, and ginger. Marinade them with honey, soy sauce, and optional spices. I shared tips for perfect cooking, checking temperatures, and achieving crispy skin. Consider adding herbs for extra flavor or trying different proteins. Store leftovers safely and enjoy them later. Roasted orange chicken is versatile and great for any meal. Enjoy creating your own tasty versions!$

A flavorful chicken dish marinated in orange juice and spices, roasted to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 thighs chicken (bone-in, skin-on)
2 large oranges (juiced and zested)
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
2 tablespoons honey (preferably raw)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
as needed orange slices, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth.
Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring even coating. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Arrange marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in the baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and skin is golden. Optionally broil for 3-5 minutes for extra crunch.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and orange slices.

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables or jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, orange, roasted, zesty